2013 US Youth Soccer ODP Girls Thanksgiving Interregional: Day 1

BOCA RATON, Fla. (November 24, 2013) – The annual US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Girls Thanksgiving Interregional commenced Sunday in Boca Raton, Fla. with the 1998 and 1999 age groups starting the action. The six-day tournament, which will take place November 24-29 at Spanish River Athletic Park, will feature elite girls teams in the 1996-1999 age groups from each of the four US Youth Soccer regions.

The nearly 300 leading players participating in the event have been selected from US Youth Soccer State Association and regional level evaluations. Throughout the week, players will train at practices and compete in matches against other regions, in front of national staff and collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure for selection to the next level of play.

US Youth Soccer ODP is the nation's original player identification program. With programs in all 55 US Youth Soccer State Associations, it is available to any player, regardless of hometown or club affiliation. US Youth Soccer ODP has continued its tradition of elite competition and player development for more than 30 years, and is the only development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and a majority of current and past national and youth national team members as alumni. To learn more, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/OlympicDevelopmentProgram.

Highlights from Day 1:

1998 Girls: Region I v. Region III

The tournament’s initial match resulted in a 3-1 victory for Region I. Amirah Ali opened the scoring for Region I in the 16th minute and Jenna Bike doubled the team’s lead before closing the half. Brianne Folds managed to put Region III on the board in the 46th minute, but Jenna Bike solidified the win, scoring again in the 73rd minute.

1998 Girls: Region II v. Region IV

The second 1998 Girls match of the day saw a Region II win over Region IV. Josie Fowler gave Region II the advantage by producing the only first-half goal. After halftime, Region II continued its assertiveness when Alia Martin scored just minutes upon starting the second half. Region IV’s Julie Doyle found the back of the net late in the 78th minute, but with just two minutes left of play they could not get the equalizer giving Region II a 2-1 win.

1999 Girls: Region I v. Region III

The Region I side in the 1999 age group also won today, defeating Region III 1-0. Ya'Nique VanNess scored the lone goal of the match in the 39th minute, and Region I’s defense remained strong to uphold the 1-0 score.

1999 Girls: Region II v. Region IV

Region IV produced goals in the first and second halves to obtain a 2-0 victory against Region II. Ameera Hussen scored in the 15th minute of play, and Sophia Serafin scored in the 44th minute. Region IV’s sturdy backline maintained the shutout for the remainder of the match.